Summary: Live music Cape Town restaurants include venues offering jazz, acoustic performances, singer-songwriters, bands, DJs and themed music nights alongside dinner and drinks. Popular areas include the City Bowl, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Hout Bay and the Southern Suburbs. Music schedules vary by venue, so diners should confirm performance times, booking requirements and any cover charges before visiting.
Looking for the best live music Cape Town restaurants have to offer? Cape Town’s dining scene is not only about great food and wine. Across the city, restaurants, bars and hotel venues regularly combine their menus with live performances, creating an easy way to turn dinner into a full evening out. From acoustic sets and jazz to singer-songwriters, DJs, cover bands and laid-back Sunday sessions, restaurants with live music in Cape Town offer something for a wide range of moods. Some venues focus on intimate performances during dinner, while others create a more energetic atmosphere later in the evening. Popular areas for live music Cape Town restaurants include the City Bowl, Kloof Street, Bree Street, the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Hout Bay, the Southern Suburbs and parts of the Northern Suburbs. The style of music can differ just as much as the food, with everything from contemporary local acts and jazz to classic hits, acoustic covers and themed entertainment nights.
Live music can make a restaurant especially appealing for date nights, birthday dinners, group outings or relaxed weekend plans. Instead of choosing between dinner and entertainment, diners can enjoy both in the same place, often with cocktails, wine or sharing plates adding to the experience. Some restaurants offer live music on specific nights of the week, while others host performances as part of special events, Sunday lunches, sunset sessions or seasonal programmes. Hotel restaurants and rooftop venues may also combine live entertainment with views over the city or Atlantic Seaboard, making them popular for sundowners followed by dinner.
The best option depends on the kind of evening you are looking for. A casual acoustic set may suit a relaxed dinner, while a lively band or DJ can be better for groups wanting to stay out later. Jazz evenings and more intimate performances are also popular for diners looking for a quieter, more atmospheric night out. Many Cape Town restaurants with live music also run food or drink promotions alongside their entertainment. These may include happy-hour cocktails, set menus, sharing platters, wine specials or dinner packages linked to a particular performance. Because live entertainment schedules can change from week to week, it is always worth checking the latest programme before visiting. Start times, cover charges and booking requirements can vary, and some performances may only run on selected dates.
Popular live music venues can also fill up quickly, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, so reservations are recommended where possible. Browse the latest live music Cape Town restaurants below to discover upcoming performances, regular music nights and restaurant events across the city.
What are your plans this Saturday? The Cape Quarter is hosting Live Music in The Square this summer, join them for free live performances every Saturday morning near the restaurant. When you stop by The Cape Quarter to do a spot of shopping or enjoy a leisurely lunch, you’ll be treated to musical performances by wonderful…
Known for their Live Music every Saturday and Sunday, a lovely afternoon attraction with ambient jazz or acoustic performances, Beluga will now be having live music on Wednesdays too! From 21 November, Beluga will be adding Live Music Wednesdays to their festive offerings. Starting at 6 30 pm on Wednesdays, Beluga’s Live Music performed by…
Inverroche Distillery has some excitement in store for December, an incredible line-up of South Africa’s biggest musical acts, performing at their new Summer Concerts! Join Inverroche in Still Bay, where the brand home is situated, for incredible live music and ginned-up fun. A scenic seaside town, Stillbay really comes alive during the summer holidays, and…
After their wildly successful winter jazz events, The 41 has introduced a Spring/Summer Live Music Series you shouldn’t miss! The 41’s Live Music Nights are their newest exciting project that highlights exceptional local musicians every Thursday. The venue is just right for this occasion, elegantly designed with stylish décor, the restaurant has a gorgeous bar and…
Taking audiences back to the South of France with flamenco guitars, booming Spanish vocals, Melding deep-heated rumba and salsa rhythms, the Grammy Award-winning hit-makers behind Bamboléo, are coming to Cape Town this December. When: 14 December 2018 Time: 19h30 Where: Grand Africa Cafe & Beach Price: R2995.00 p.p Dinner & Dance with the Gipsy Kings…
As winter closes its doors, Grand Africa Cafe & Beach opens theirs to invite you to celebrate the beginning of summer in true Grand style. Grand Africa Café & Beach, in association with Music People, will host the second edition of the Grand Moon summer opening party on 3rd November 2018. Get your tickets here!…
Every week on Thursday nights, HQ Cape Town has half price off their tapas selection! Enjoy 50% off generous plates of tapas every Thursday, along with music until midnight with a DJ providing the tunes. Whether jalapeno poppers and truffle frites are your thing, or you lean more towards pork belly and steak cubes, HQ has you…
Every Friday, DJ Shylo will be playing some beats on the epic Harald’s rooftop at Park Inn Foreshore. Join them for after work drinks with breathtaking views of Cape Town city central. Sip on a perfectly made cocktail while the sun goes down, exactly what you need after a long week. Time 6pm to 9pm…
Harbour House Kalk Bay is hosting a Polana Pop-up Experience. In their unbeatable venue, Harbour House in Kalk Bay is throwing a party of epic proportions. They’re bringing you amazing drink specials along with a stellar line-up. Join them between 6pm and 9pm for dinner and drinks with the acoustic sounds of Rashaad, and continue…
Big Route Pizzeria offers a unique Italian experience, incorporating traditional recipes. Big Route Pizzeria offers a delicious dinning experience executed with taste and absolute excellence with an atmosphere to die for. Twice a month, the restaurant will be hosting a live jazz evening, where you get to enjoy the soulful sounds of local artists while…
An evening of food, wine & jazz at Barristers! Throughout the month of January, make sure to join your favourite local as they host several dinner evenings that include a great live music line-up featuring many local artists. Not only will you enjoy really great homely food but also come home after experiencing great live jazz acts. South…
The Lookout Deck Hout Bay, along with Rolling Audio, are hosting an Ard Matthews performance you don’t want to miss! Taking place on the 28th of July, Ard Matthews of Just Jinger fame, will be gracing the Look Out Deck stage. A South African music legend, Ard has honed his craft as a singer and songwriter over the last…
